Hidden Agendas, a Talisman Treasure's First Use! Seizing the Treasure Artifact, Calculating Every Move

"Wait, young friend!"

Just as he was about to reap his rewards, a sudden voice rang out. Though it came from far away, Lin Changheng felt as if it were right beside his ear.

It was crystal clear, no less distinct than a whisper.

The treasure artifact Sword Embryo Lin Changheng had raised to carve up the meat abruptly paused, and the joy of his harvest vanished as his expression darkened.

His face grew so grim it almost seemed ready to drip water.

Someone was here! Who had spoken?!

Were they playing the oriole behind the mantis stalking the cicada? Had they come to pluck his peaches just as his battle ended?

He had never expected this.

And Lin Changheng truly had sensed nothing!

That could mean only one thing: the newcomer's cultivation was higher than his, and their divine sense surpassed his as well, allowing them to reach farther and even conceal themselves from him.

There was only one possibility, then-the newcomer was at least a False Core Cultivator!

Cultivators of his own realm, even those at foundation establishment peak, would only have their divine sense traced back by Lin Changheng without noticing a thing.

Yet Lin Changheng had just unleashed all his methods in a fierce battle, suffered some minor injuries, and depleted his strength.

He was not in peak condition.

Facing this opponent would be rough.

But that did not mean he was afraid-

Even below full strength, he could still put up a fight against a false core opponent. There was no way he would meekly let someone butcher him,

or twist him around their finger! Killing the pure core [Earthfire Nether Serpent] had given him ample confidence.

Even in the worst-case scenario, if Lin Changheng was terribly unlucky and the newcomer proved far too powerful,